On the Prowl

Midnight leopards
have swirls, no spots,
no claws,
no snarling curled back lips,
no sharp glistening fangs,
no low warning growls.

Midnight leopards
redolent with cardamom,
cinnabar, ash,
lithe as liquid stars,
don’t leap.

Midnight leopards creep
on silent cloud feet
while we sleep.
They curl beside me,
watching waiting
to pounce